Starting your first remodel or addition project can be daunting. It
opens a whole new world of details and procedures. Hiring a design
professional to lead you through that process does wonders to streamline
the project, saving time and money. You will find that even when you
hire professionals to do most of the work, there are a surprising number
of things you still have to do. At the very least, you will be required
to hire the architect, hire the contractor, provide some of the site
documentation, and approve the designs.
What Do Architects Do?
Architects are trained to be experts in the use or function of spaces,
the aesthetics of spaces (look, feel, sound and smell), the construction
of spaces, and the management of building projects.
They start by
talking to you about your functional needs and aesthetic preferences.
They produce design drawings for your approval, and produce documents
for permit and construction. They negotiate the permit process, help you
select a contractor, and remain available during construction to answer
questions and make changes.
Architects also design kitchens and
custom cabinets, consult on interior or exterior color palettes, and
often lay out the building components in landscape designs. They do not
generally help in the selection of furniture, carpeting, draperies or
artwork.
Design projects come in a wide variety of shapes and
sizes, so you need to be specific about what part your architect will
play. Most architects are willing to tailor their services to your
needs.
When Do You Need an Architect?
Some
projects are small enough that your contractor can get the permit with a
simple drawing or even without drawings. If a project involves only one
trade, that trade can generally get a permit over the counter. Projects
that fall into this category are - roofing, finishes, window and door
replacement, water heater or furnace replacement, electrical panel
upgrades, and minor plumbing repairs or upgrades.
Most homes and
residential accessory structures may be designed and drawn by
non-professionals. The house must be an owner-occupied single-family
dwelling of two stories or less. All commercial structures and more
complicated homes are required to be designed by a Registered Engineer
or Architect who must sign each drawings with his/her stamp and license
number. Even when an architect is not strictly required, most homeowners
hire an architect to streamline the process and improve the end result.
Finding the Right Architect for You
Your architect is someone who will work closely with you throughout the
design and construction process. In addition to liking their aesthetic
sense, you want someone who:
- has good communication skills
- listens to you and answers questions
- returns phone calls, meets deadlines, and generally has a professional manner
- has experience appropriate to your project
Good Sources for Finding an Architect:
Every architect has an individual style and approach. You should not
rush this process, but take the time you need to make the right
decision. A personal referral is always better than picking someone off a
list. Places to start:
- talk to friends and neighbors who have done similar projects
- ask your Realtor
- ask local builders or trades people
- AIA (American Institute of Architects) database www.architectfinder.aia.org
- online services like Service Magic or Construction Deal
- for restoration projects, check with your local historical or preservation society
Plan
to meet with several prospective architects, starting with a telephone
conversation to weed out architects who don't have the time or interest
in your project. You may pick three or four questions to ask over the
phone, and expect to ask the others in a more lengthy interview. It is
important that you feel comfortable working with the architect. They
should be someone you feel you can trust, and someone who listens to
you.
Questions to Ask an Architect:
Some of
the questions you will probably ask on the phone before they even visit
your project site. Others you will ask once you are talking to them in
person.
- describe the project, ask whether they do this type of work
- how busy are they, and do they have the time to do your project?
- is a fee for an interview at your home (or job site)?
- request literature that describes the firm's qualifications and experience (often a web site)
- confirm that the architect you are meeting is the person who will actually work on your project
- what is the architect's design philosophy?
- how long will the design part of the project take?
- how does the architect establish fees?
- how does the architect organize the process?
- what does the architect expect you to provide?
- what is the architect's experience/track record with cost estimating?
- what will the architect show you along the way to explain the project? will you see models, drawings or computer animations?
- ask for references from past clients. find out how past clients feel about their new home
- verify that your architect holds a current license. The California Architects Board www.cab.ca.gov/
is responsible for licensing. Membership in professional organizations
like the AIA (American Institute of Architects) or the ASLA (American
Society of Landscape Architects) is not required for licensing.
- if
your designer is not a licensed architect he/she can still do design
and permit drawings for a single-family home of two stories or less in
most jurisdictions. how will the architect handle signing permit
drawings?
- does the architect have a list of past clients that you can contact?
©2012 drozda+others architects, all rights reserved.
*Consider buying a certified used car or truck that is warranted by the automaker (not the individual dealer) - automakers exclude flood-damaged vehicles from their certified programs.
